Between Stay and Stray and Beyond: Navigating Romantic Relationships in the LGBTQIA+ Community (Part of PinkFest 2025!)

Posted On: June 25, 2025

Date/Time
Date(s) - 25/06/2025
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Categories


Romantic relationships are dynamic and evolving, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community, where traditional relationship models may not always apply. The increasing visibility of diverse relationship structures, including monogamy, polyamory, open relationships, and relationship anarchy, has created both opportunities and challenges for individuals navigating love, commitment, and desire.

This workshop, “Between Stay and Stray and Beyond: Navigating Romantic Relationships in the LGBTQIA+ Community,” will explore different relationship styles, the psychological and emotional factors influencing relationship satisfaction, and the impact of cultural and societal expectations. We will also address key challenges such as trust, communication, jealousy, and personal growth in partnerships.

Workshop Objectives

Understand Relationship Diversity: Explore different romantic relationship structures, their benefits, and potential challenges.
Examine Psychological and Emotional Influences: Gain insight into attachment styles, intimacy needs, and factors affecting relationship longevity.
Develop Effective Communication Strategies: Learn tools to navigate difficult conversations, establish boundaries, and build emotional intimacy.
Manage Jealousy and Relationship Anxiety: Address concerns around trust, insecurity, and fear of abandonment through research-backed strategies.
Apply the BioPsychoSocialSpiritual Model: Explore how biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors shape romantic relationships.

What You Will Learn

🔹 Types of Romantic Relationships: Monogamy, Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM), Polyamory, Open Relationships, Relationship Anarchy.
🔹 The Science of Love & Desire: Psychological and biological factors that drive attraction and commitment.
🔹 Cultural and Social Pressures: How societal expectations impact relationship choices in the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly in Asia.
🔹 Conflict Resolution Skills: Tools for handling disagreements, unmet expectations, and emotional triggers.
🔹 Sexual Wellness & Emotional Intimacy: Strategies to maintain passion, connection, and fulfilment in long-term relationships.;

Workshop Format

Date: Tues 15 Apr 2025

Time: Wed 25 June 2025 (1.5 hours)

Platform: Online (via Zoom)

Fee: S$20 per person

Interactive Elements:

  • Guided Self-Reflection Exercises
  • Small Group Discussions
  • Case Studies & Real-Life Scenarios
  • Q&A and Personalized Support

Key Research & Case Studies

📝 Relationship Satisfaction & Structure: A study by Moors, Matsick, & Schechinger (2017) found that people in consensual non-monogamous relationships reported similar or higher levels of satisfaction compared to those in monogamous relationships, provided communication and boundaries were clear.
📝 Jealousy & Attachment Styles: Research by Fernández & Cuadrado (2016) suggests that individuals with secure attachment styles experience less jealousy in non-traditional relationship structures.
📝 Sexual Health & Emotional Well-being: A study published in the Journal of Sex Research (2019) highlights that maintaining sexual and emotional intimacy in long-term relationships requires continuous adaptation and open dialogue.

Why Attend?

Culturally Tailored: Addresses the specific challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in different cultural contexts, particularly in Asia.
Holistic & Inclusive: Uses the BioPsychoSocialSpiritual framework to explore relationship dynamics beyond conventional models.
Expert-Led: Facilitated by an experienced Intimacy and Sexual Wellness Therapist who specializes in LGBTQIA+ relationship dynamics.

Who Should Attend?

  • Individuals exploring or reassessing their relationship style
  • Couples/partners navigating challenges in monogamy or non-monogamy
  • Those interested in understanding emotional and sexual wellness in relationships
  • LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking a supportive space to discuss intimacy and commitment

📌 Confidential & Supportive Environment: All discussions will be conducted with respect, privacy, and non-judgment.

📌 Please note that this is an adult-only event for those over 21 years old

Join us in redefining relationships and creating deeper, more fulfilling connections!

S$20 per person Between Stay and Stray and Beyond

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About Krish Phua

Krish Phua is a registered Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and certified Clinical Supervisor specializing in Gender and Sexuality, HIV and AIDS, and Couple and Family Therapy. With over 10 years of experience in various settings, Phua provides therapy for individuals, couples, families, and groups. He also offers crisis management, intervention, and psychosocial support to marginalized communities.

Phua holds a Master’s degree in Social Science (Professional Counselling) and is currently pursuing a PhD in Counselling Psychology. He is also an adjunct faculty / lecturer and a trainer in some educational institutions for adult learners. He is fluent in English, Chinese, and Cantonese.

For his full profile, click here.

Book a free 15min zoom consult with Krish here!

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